Special Educational Needs: ME/CFS
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that local authorities take account of the needs of children and young people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome when assessing, reviewing and implementing Education, Health and Care Plans.
Answered by Department for Education
The department has consulted on reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system so that every child and young person receives the support they require. Our proposals include strengthening the education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment process so that it is clearer, simpler and reflects the voice of parents/carers and the child or young person. We will consider feedback from the consultation exercise carefully before making any final decisions on this policy.
A child or young person with SEND may be eligible for an EHC plan. Where a plan is issued to someone with myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome, it will contain provision to meet their special educational needs and any relevant health needs.
When a local authority conducts a needs assessment or reviews an existing plan, it must seek information and advice from relevant health professionals. This helps to ensure that all EHC plans will contain support tailored to the individual’s particular health needs.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →